Does the headline ‘TEN FROM TEN’ catch your attention?
It should.
Ahead of the 40th Anniversary of Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold showdown this weekend, the question on everyone’s lips – will Day do 10?
I guess we will have to wait to find out!
Preparing to tackle the coastline for possibly the final time in the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold, Race One athlete Ali Day is on pursuit to further his legacy and secure himself a tenth win from a remarkable, 10 starts.
When asked to describe how he is feeling leading into such a feat, Day’s response was simple.
“Grateful,” he said.
Speaking of no doubt, no nerves and no setbacks, Day’s simple yet strong reply ‘grateful’ should perhaps send shivers down your spine.
He is ready.
But, could 2024 be Bevilacquas year?
Possibly.
Lining up eager to execute his best race, spoiling the pattern of Days success, Bevilacqua believes that this year, his strength will come from an overall improvement.
“I think I’ve been able to improve every discipline this year,” he said.
“This will be my strength.”
A little scary to think that the reigning World Board Champion can improve with such a title.
But there is no doubt.
Bevilacqua is confident in his work.
Content with his preparation.
And despite the “I think” in there, Bevilacqua knows; he too is ready.
Jumping to our girls in red.
It’s been Lana’s world and haven’t we all enjoyed living in it!
Following her 2023 summer success, Race One’s Lana Rogers finds herself on the start line for the 7th time in her career; determined once more, to beat the race itself.
“I love a challenge, and this is the hardest, most grueling race we have in our sport!” She spoke excitedly.
“The Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold is a race that can make you or break you and because of this for me, it’s become a bit of an addiction.”
Perhaps she’s addicted to the pain?
Perhaps she’s addicted to the accomplishment?
Regards, Rogers will be there, looking to go back-to-back and secure herself a third title in the iconic event.
You better believe it, she’s ready.
But don’t go counting out Lucy Derbyshire!
Having completed her debut long course last season, working on her mental stamina and her physical strength, Race One’s Derbyshire is back and this year, she means business.
“I have trained really hard, and dedicated so much to this race,” she said.
“I won’t give up, no matter what!”
With a skip in her step at the conclusion of last seasons result, it was evident that Derbyshire would be back for more.
But will this year be the year she writes her name into the history books?
Possibly.
Is she ready?
Absolutely.
But why the question may be asked, do these athletes continue to turn up, year after year?
Sacrificing more.
Pushing for more.
Hungry for more.
Apparently, it’s an easy one to answer, and the one thing each of our athletes have in common.
Because they simply love it.
For Day, it’s the race and history within it.
“I love the race and the history of the race so much.” He spoke.
For Bevilacqua it’s the learnings within the event that have him back for more.
“The learnings I still make year on year for the Gold are so steep and it's then more enjoyable in a way - I learn so much more about myself!”
For Rogers it’s been an emotional journey, one that she continues to conquer year in and year out.
“Honestly, I just love this race, and I think it holds a special place in my heart.” She said.
“There is no better feeling than crossing that finish line!”
And finally, Derbyshire.
A love for not only the race itself, but the overall experience entailed just to make the start line.
“To train and finish the race is a huge achievement let alone pushing yourself to the limit and getting a result that you’re proud of, and I love that!”
With a love for the iconic event, it’s rich history and the opportunity that awaits our Race One athletes come Sunday, who will be standing on top of the podium?
The question we all want to know the answer too.
Hang onto your Race One hats and get down to Coolangatta this Sunday.
It’s a showdown you won’t want to miss.
Our team is READY.